A free financial health check has been launched to provide people with a personal action plan to help them make the most of their money.

The Money Advice Service is running the test, which takes less than 10 minutes to complete, through its website.

People who take the test will be asked a series of multiple choice questions, looking at their attitudes to money and their financial aspirations, and their answers will be used to create a personal action plan.

The plan will suggest ways that people can stay on top of their money on a day-to-day basis, as well as helping them to make sure they have enough emergency savings and that they can cope with a change in their circumstances.

Gerard Lemos, chairman of the Money Advice Service, said: "The Money Advice Service is the money-equivalent of a reliable sat-nav.

"We help people to see where they are now, and then we help them get from A to B by the best route for them. Most importantly, our advice is free and unbiased and we won't sell them anything.

"In less than 10 minutes the health check identifies the top three things you and your family can do to make the most of your money right now, and to plan for future goals."

The Money Advice Service, which is an independent group set up by the Government to provide free financial help, is running a national advertising campaign to make people aware of the new financial health check.